3 Secrets to Finding the Cheapest Airfare

Travelling by air does not have to break your vacation budget. These three secrets to finding cheap flights will help you save money, reach your destination and have more spending money to enjoy on your vacation.

Compare Prices

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is booking the first seemingly good airfare price they see. The best secret for finding cheap flights is to compare prices before booking. Many websites will even do the work for you and compare airfares from different airlines and airports. It is amazing how much you can save by simply departing from a different airport or traveling on a lesser-known airline. The savings are often worth the cost of travelling to an alternative airport. Some sites will even mix and match airlines to find you the best deal when you must travel on connecting flights. Don't forget to compare the cost of taxes and fees, which can add over $100 to your ticket price. Some airlines do not include these fees in their listed prices so always check before booking.

Know When to Book

Airfare often fluctuates according to the season, holidays and even the day of the week that you book. Flights departing midweek are often cheaper. Leaving on a Wednesday instead of a Saturday can save you as much as 20% on your ticket. Book early, but not too far in advance. You will save the most by booking about one month before your flight. Prices tend to go up in the 21 days before departure before plunging and becoming a last minute flight. Waiting until then may save you money but is a risky practice. Consider travelling during off-seasons, when everything from airfare to hotels may be cheaper. You can save money by going to Europe in autumn or visiting the Caribbean during the summer months.

Be Flexible

Remaining flexible with your departure date is one of the best ways to find cheap flights. You may save money by searching just a day or two before or after your ideal travel date. Remember that bargains are often available midweek. Many websites offer flexible date searches, making it easy to compare fares.